Abbott Continues To Dodge Pauken Request For Debate

Republican Tom Pauken continues to issue a debate challenge to fellow gubernatorial candidate Greg Abbott, but the attorney general has not even acknowledged Pauken as a candidate.

Abbott publicly announced his candidacy for the governor’s race one month ago, but even before he had made this announcement, Pauken had issued a challenge for a public debate.

"I don’t think he wants to defend his record and discuss the issues in this primary including the recent decision to join the Obama administration in trying to break up the merger of US Airways and American Airlines, which is going to be a job killer if it succeeds in Texas," Pauken said.

Pauken argues against Abbott’s assessment that the merger will result in US Airways pulling out of smaller markets.

Pauken doesn’t foresee a public debate with Abbott, but the former chairman of the Texas Workforce Commission and former chair of the Texas Republican Party said he will continue to request a public discussion of the issues.